2008 Le Dome Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $169.94
$139.94
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REVIEWS

JD 96 WA 94 WE 94 DC 93 JL 92
JD 96

jebdunnuck.com, February 2019

Made from 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, the 2008 Le Dome comes from a tiny site not far from Angélus and is made by Jonathan Maltus. This beauty boasts a deep ruby, opaque color as well as a seductive, forward style...
WA 94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, May 2011

An opaque purple color is followed by notes of graphite mulberries blueberries and flowers. The 2008 is broad savory and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannins decent acidity a textured complex mouthfeel and no hard...
WE 94

Wine Enthusiast, April 2011

Smooth, perfumed and elegant, this Cabernet Franc-dominated wine has rounded tannins, layered acidity and a dark power of ripe tannins. It is both concentrated and fresh, a great combination.
DC 93

Decanter,

Expressive, floral aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and minerals, with a seamless quality. Readier to drink than most Le Dômes.
JL 92

TheWineCellarInsider.com, July 2009

Château Le Dome is the top wine in the extensive catalogue of Jonathan Maltus, is an engaging bottling. With the highest level of cabernet franc used in Bordeaux, 75%, the wine has a definite personality not always easy...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Saint Emilion
Vintage 2008
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 13.5%
Closure Cork

Founded in 1996, Le Dome is allegedly the biggest expression of Cabernet Franc of any Bordeaux wine – surpassing Chateau Cheval Blanc and Le Dome’s neighbor, Chateau Angelus. Its origins have their roots in the ‘garage’ movement of the 1990’s. Jonathan Maltus of Chateau Teyssier, the estate’s creator, was at the epicenter of this movement, with his sought-after wine Le Dome being one of the top three cult wines from the region.

The vines, planted from 1960 to 1970, are on 3.20 hectares of sandy soils above a layer of light clay with a Crasse de Fer (iron deposits). The iron deposits, coupled with the south facing slope, ensure amazing drainage, keeping the vines seeking moisture.

Maltus produces eight Saint-Emilion wines, ranging from the estate wines Chateau Teyssier and Chateau Laforge, as well as limited-release single vineyard wines Le Dome, Le Carre, Les Asteries, and Vieux Chateau Mazerat. Maltus has also ventured into Napa Valley, with single-vineyard wines produced under the World's End label.

The Le Dome Grand Cru is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. Vines for this release are cropped low – around 30 hectoliters per hectare – four bunches to the vine (less than half the volume authorized by the Appellation), thus ensuring its incredible concentration.

The fruit is hand-harvested then sorted, first by bunch then grape-by-grape. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats after extremely cold maceration. Malolactic fermentation and aging takes place in new French oak barrels.

Le Dome has the highest Cabernet Franc percentage of any wine in Bordeaux and is said to be the biggest expression of that grape in the region. The wine is full-bodied but has elegance and finesse. The optimal drinking window is very broad, from just a few years to more than 25 years after the vintage.

The 2008 Le Dome is a remarkable Bordeaux Blend from the renowned Saint Emilion region in Bordeaux, France. This extraordinary wine showcases the expertise and craftsmanship of the esteemed producer, Le Dome. With its deep, opaque purple color, it exudes an air of elegance and sophistication.

On the nose, the 2008 Le Dome reveals a captivating bouquet of graphite, mulberries, blueberries, and delicate floral notes. These aromas intertwine harmoniously, creating a complex and alluring olfactory experience. As the wine breathes, a subtle smoky undertone emerges, adding depth and intrigue.

Medium to full-bodied, this wine envelops the palate with its broad and savory character. The sweet tannins and decent acidity contribute to a well-balanced structure, while the textured and complex mouthfeel provides a luxurious sensation. The 2008 Le Dome is a testament to the exceptional quality of the Right Bank in this vintage. Its pure dark fruit flavors are complemented by a touch of spice and minerality, showcasing the classic profile of a Bordeaux Blend.

According to renowned wine critics, the 2008 Le Dome has aged gracefully and is now in its prime. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 94 points, praising its no hard edges and predicting it will continue to drink nicely for another 10-15 years. Wine Enthusiast also awarded it 94 points, highlighting its smoothness, perfumed elegance, and concentrated yet fresh character.

Decanter described the wine as expressive, with floral aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, and minerals, noting its readiness to drink compared to most Le Dômes. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an outstanding score of 96 points, commending its seductive, forward style, elegant palate, and fully mature status. He also stated that it is one of the more elegant and silky 2008s in his report.

Overall, the 2008 Le Dome is a wine of exceptional quality and finesse. Its complexity, balance, and age-worthiness make it a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether enjoyed now with some air or allowed to evolve further in the cellar, this wine promises an unforgettable experience for the next 10-15 years.